Tuesday, 26 July 2016

Finally: Michael Jordan speaks out on police shootings

Michael Jordan: ‘I can no longer stay silent'

“I
was raised by parents who taught me to love and respect people
regardless of their race or background, so I am saddened and frustrated
by the divisive rhetoric and racial tensions that seem to be getting
worse as of late. I know this country is better than that, and I can no
longer stay silent. We need to find solutions that ensure people of
color receive fair and equal treatment AND that police officers — who
put their lives on the line every day to protect us all — are respected
and supported.

“Over
the past three decades I have seen up close the dedication of the law
enforcement officers who protect me and my family. I have the greatest
respect for their sacrifice and service. I also recognize that for many
people of color their experiences with law enforcement have been
different than mine. I have decided to speak out in the hope that we can
come together as Americans, and through peaceful dialogue and
education, achieve constructive change.

“To
support that effort, I am making contributions of $1 million each to
two organizations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s
newly established Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP
Legal Defense Fund. The Institute for Community-Police Relations’
policy and oversight work is focused on building trust and promoting
best practices in community policing. My donation to the NAACP Legal
Defense Fund, the nation’s oldest civil rights law organization, will
support its ongoing work in support of reforms that will build trust and
respect between communities and law enforcement. Although I know these
contributions alone are not enough to solve the problem, I hope the
resources will help both organizations make a positive difference.”

Jordan's spokeswoman stated:
Jordan’s commitment to diversity has been long
established. “But he’s always been very private and personal about many
of these things.”
Source: The News